+ Where is the Suspension Bearing Press?

The Suspension Bearing Press is renamed Basic Bearing Press. The Suspension Bearing Press that is featured in many of my early videos had to change names because people were getting confused because the kit never dealt with BSB bearing configureations that are found in suspension systems. What the kit actually does is removes and installs single bearings. So I changed the name when I also changed the kind of Drifts that I supply.

+ Why did the Drifts change?

To create a system of pieces capable of installing bearings in a preloaded bearing hub, I had to have a Drift capable of pressing only the outer bearing ring. This is essential when pressing bearings into a hub with preloaded bearings. Since my system of pieces is intended to have as fiew pieces as possible while still retaining maximum versatility, the Drifts now pull double duty. Once size presses both bearing rings while the relief side presses only the bearing outer ring.

+ So you want the Whole System...

Consider getting the Shop Bearing Press kit. Have a good look at the information on that page and then feel free to contact me with questions. Remember: You will still need a tool to remove the first bearing in a BSB configuration like the ALT Drift or the ALT Extractor.

+ ALT Drift : ALTD-1 or ALTD-2 Kits

The ALTD-1 needs to be used with the Hub & Suspension Bearing Press Kit (HSBP-1) but the ALTD-2 doesn't. The ALTD-2 contains all the pieces from the HSBP-1 that are required to make the ALT Drift work. The ALTD-2 is meant for Customers who want to remove the first bearing in a BSB configuration, but already have other bearing press tools.

+ Canada & USA Shipping

I Currently have inventory and am shipping to Canada and USA.

If you want product shipped outside of these two countries, check out FAQ “Sales Outside of Canada & USA” below.

+ Sales Outside of Canada & USA

Customers can live anywhere, but I only deliver to Canada and USA. If you want delivery outside of these two countries, you may want to consider a parcel forwarding service like Stackry, Shipito, JetCarrier or Myus.com. THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT. I have not investigated these companies but I have had numerous customers use them and I have not received any complaints from these customers.

!!! Please email me if you have a problem with one of the forwarding services !!!

+ Didn’t You Sell Internationally?

Yes. I tried. I failed.

I will continue to search for a way to ship ALT/ALT products to countries outside of Canada & USA for a reasonable shipping price.

+ Dangers of a DIY hardware tool.

This bearing press was developed because we were unhappy with our DIY tool. What didn’t we like? Go to our Bearing Basics page as reference. 1) During install it is very important to catch the outer bearing ring so that you don’t transmit installation force through the balls and shortening their life. That outer ring is real small, stock washers weren’t going to cut it. 2) Keeping the tool perpendicular to the frame is very challenging with parts that don’t fit together very well. Like a washer or socket on a bolt. Loosy-goosy. Also, lining up a socket against the frame can be near impossible if you only have 3mm of frame to catch. Crooked removal or installation will wreck your frame. Basically it’s almost impossible to get spare parts right now, so who wants to risk messing their bike up for the season?

+ What is Acetal and why is it used?

Acetal is also known as Polyoxymethylene (POM) and is an engineering thermoplastic that has high stiffness, excellent dimensional stability and the strength to remove suspension bearings. Because it’s thermoplastic, it won’t scratch your bike. It is also chemically resistant to everything except strong acids and bases so it’s perfect when exposed to grease and cleaner. It’s easy to machine and it doesn’t need to be anodized. An inexpensive material to make a tool that doesn’t get used every day.

+ What is so great about a bearing press?

There are numerous methods to remove bearings and they depend on your skill level, the tools at your disposal and how much time you want to spend wrenching instead of riding. Because of the screw drive tightening action, a bearing press is a controlled and slow way to remove and install bearings. Things get lined up nicely and then you can confidently tighten until the job is done. Some people don’t like the sudden jerking or yanking of a slide hammer and we can understand why. Probably because you are applying a lot of force quickly and if you screw up, there goes your frame. A slide hammer is a proven method, but if you have the choice, a bearing press is less violent and more predictable.

+ How do I know my bearings need replacing?

A good bearing feels solid and rotates smoothly. If the inner ring moves side to side or up and down related to the outer bearing replace it. If when you rotate the bearing there is grinding or notchy feeling, replace it. Anything other than solid and smooth means that contamination and damage have occurred and the bearing is running out of life. How long will it last? Who knows, but are you willing to chance a catastrophic failure? Check out more FAQ’s about this…

+ Why can’t I just put new grease in the bearings?

So your bearings have been contaminated and they’re on the way out. If you can’t replace them right away you could extend the life of the bearing by removing the seals, cleaning out all the contamination, regreasing the bearing and reinstalling the seals. WE DON’T RECOMMEND THIS. There’s two problems with this: 1) the bearing is already damaged and will continue to get worse. 2) When you remove a seal, you will damage it. Now water and contamination will get in more easily. You’re on your own here. We recommend you replace worn or damaged bearings. It’s not because we want to sell more tools, its just there are a lot of variables and we would hate for anyone to get hurt because their bearings demo’d themselves.

+ Is it time for a suspension service?

If you are wondering about your immediate suspension health, remove the shock or the air pressure and cycle through the suspension. If you hear grinding or creaking coming from the pivots, it’s time for a service. If the pivots feel like they are binding, it’s time for a service. If you twist the rear end and it moves in a way it’s not supposed to, it’s time for a service.

+ How often should I service my suspension pivots?

It depends. Word is that manufacturers suggest as often as every 6 months. Among other things, it depends on how wet your rides are, how heavy you are, how hard you are on the bike, how often you ride, how fine the dirt or sand is and how you wash or don’t wash the bike. So you could be wearing your bearings out if you’re a big person, riding in the wet, hitting big jumps every day and not washing your bike. Or pressure washing your bike. A suspension service starts with taking the pivot apart so that you can clean and inspect the bearing. A lot of debris gets wedged in there so you probably want to get in there and clean it out. Your bearings will last longer if you do.

+ How do I remove a bearing if my frame is angled or I can’t reach the back side of the bearing?

Experienced people may have the knowledge and tools to heat up the frame and gently remove the bearing, but if you don’t know what you’re doing you could ruin your frame. Any method which “walks” a bearing out of the bearing seat is a recipe for disaster. Don’t. A slide hammer extractor is a more common and simpler method to remove the bearing. The tool fits inside the inner bearing ring and then uses a sliding hammer to yank the bearing out of the frame. Be careful! You must yank the tool perpendicular to the seat of the bearing or you could damage the frame.

+ Can I reuse a bearing that has been removed?

If the bearing was removed by applying force through the balls, then the bearing will have a shorter life. If it’s still smooth and feels solid it can be reinstalled but remember to check on it more frequently.

+ What causes bearing damage in the first place?

Water. Water washes out the grease and washes in contamination like sand and dirt. This combination deteriorates the balls and bearing ring surfaces. If you have removed the seals to clean out the balls, you probably have damaged the seals. They are delicate.